It's Christmas Eve! Nationwide, kids are for once, counting down until bedtime so they can put out milk and cookies for Jolly old St. Nick. The anticipation is tangible. Tomorrow, kids will be waking up and running down stairs at breakneck speed to see what Santa brought them, and parents will enjoy that third cup of coffee watching them happily tear into wrapping paper as they open the gifts from under the tree. Trash men will be picking up their biggest load of trash per house, and Christmas lights will be blinking everywhere in one last blaze of glory before they go back up into the attic.
After Christmas, relax. The new year is right around the corner, so here are some events to lower your blood pressure from the strain of Christmas.
There's the monthly bike ride in Olde Town Conyers on Sunday. If you're looking a little further afield, check out The Santaland Diaries at the Horizon Theatre Company or the Snow Fall at Atlantic Station!
Bike Ride in Olde Town
Sunday, Dec. 28, 4-5 p.m.
Cost: Free
Take a scenic 4 mile ride through Olde Town, starting at the Conyers Welcome Center! The bike ride is a monthly event, and people of all ages are welcome to attend!
The Santaland Diaries
Through Dec. 31
Cost: $25-40
Written by the hilarious NPR writer David Sedaris, the play is based on a real life events. A struggling writer must take a job as a Macy's Holiday Department Elf. Full of snark and enough sarcasm to tide you over until the new year, check it out at the Horizon Theater, 1083 Austin Ave, Atlanta.
http://www.horizontheatre.com/plays/the-santaland-diaries/
Atlantic Station Snow Fall
Saturdays, 6-9 p.m., through Dec. 27
Cost: Free
1380 Atlantic Drive , Suite 14250 Atlanta
Bring the family out for a Snow Show! This spectacle will occur at the top of each hour from 6 p.m., 7 p.m., 8 p.m., and 9 p.m.; 404-733-1221, www.atlanticstation.com
Holiday in Lights at Centennial Olympic Park
Now-January 19, 2015
Cost: free
Centennial Park is all dressed up for the holidays! Come out and enjoy the wonderful feeling of Christmas in Atlanta and walk the dazzling light displays that are simply there for Christmas joy.
http://www.atlanta.net/events/detail/holiday-in-lights-at-centennial-olympic-park/93736/
Historic New Manchester Mill Hike
Saturdays, 1-2:30 p.m. Continues through Dec. 27
Cost: $5 parking along with admission. $5
770-732-5871
This mile-long hike involves a ranger or historian leading visitors to the New Manchester Mill along Sweetwater Creek. Closed-toed shoes are required. Reservations are recommended.
http://www.gastateparks.org
American Sabor Movie Screenings
Saturday, Dec. 27, 2 p.m.
Cost: $16.50 adults
Join the Atlanta History Center each Saturday in December for American Sabor: Latinos in Popular U.S. Music, a chance to explore the rich diversity of Latino music through a series of film screenings. Schedule: Dec. 6: Dirty Dancing: Havana Nights; Dec. 13: Selena (Ford Free Admission Weekend); Dec. 20: La Bamba; Dec. 27: Mad About Mambo. Included in cost of general admission.
http://AtlantaHistoryCenter.com/AmericanSabor
The Nutcracker
Wednesday, December 11-28
Cost $58-300
Come down to the Fabulous Fox Theatre for the annual showing of the Nutcracker! with a fabulous set, costuming, and cast, this is a can't miss opportunity. Make lasting memories, as this is a classic tale for all ages.
http://www.atlantaboxoffice.com/fabulous-fox-theatre-tickets.php
Holiday in the Park, Six Flags
Now-Jan. 4, 2015
Cost: standard admission
Are you the thrill-seeker type? Do you like Christmas lights, shows Santa, food, and Christmas trees? Come out to a bedazzled Six Flags to get into the holiday spirit! Nothing says Christmas like a pounding heart and flushed cheeks from riding the Goliath for the seventh time!
www.sixflags.com/overgeorgia/special-events/festival/holiday-park
